Today We Buried Gedalia

As we remember the great sacrifice of the soldiers who were killed defending Israel, the following is a tribute to one of the latest heroes of Israel.

by Pearl Skolnik

Today we buried my 21-year-old nephew Gedalya. At midnight last night four soldiers and a doctor knocked on my sister Penina's door. Her husband Simcha had just left for the Ukraine on a mission for the Jewish Agency. They called him in the Ukraine to tell him to come home for his son's funeral.

At 7 AM, they called me. I had to tell the rest of the family. I had to ask a relative, Yakir, to go to my son Yoram and inform him of what had happened. My other son Yossi is also serving in the army. When Yoram saw Yakir's face, the first thing he thought was: "Which one is it? My cousin Gedalya or my brother Yossi?" Without a word exchanged, Yakir understood and said, "Gedalya."

I can tell you that although the fear is always there, the worry about "hearing the knock," you are never prepared. The shock is total. The grief is inconsolable.

His mission was to teach them to be ethical, moral, and humane in their treatment of others.

Twice today the radio replayed a recording of Gedalya's interview on the Army Radio Station. He told how he saw himself as a teacher of his soldiers. His mission was to teach them to be ethical, moral, and humane in their treatment of others. He would not allow any of his soldiers to insult or mistreat Arabs whom they encountered while carrying out their duties. When asked to describe himself he said, "I am a humane soldier."

During the fighting in Jenin, Gedalya had candies in his pocket and whenever he came across Arab children, he gave them candies to calm them down so they would not be afraid of the Israeli soldiers. When we looked at pictures that Gedalya took of the fighting, the battalion commander pointed out a building and said this is the "cake building." Four houses before Gedalya was killed he came across a family with five children huddling in a room, scared. He pulled out a cake he had put in his bullet-proof vest and gave it to the children. He had been saving it for his soldiers.

Gedalya was a poet, composer, and musician. He played piano beautifully. And he was a master at computers. At the age of 17, he even set up his own computer business, which he closed down when he went into the army.

Every unit in the army wanted him. He could have had any job he wanted. But he hid from the army the fact that he suffered from severe asthma, and somehow got himself into a combat unit.

His soldiers said that Gedalya only gave; he never took for himself. He was always calm and collected, always a smile, always optimistic, always doing things 110% perfect. He radiated an inner strength. He was blue-eyed perfection.

At the beginning of this war against terror, Gedalya was fighting in Ramallah. He found the keys to Arafat's office, and led his soldiers in. When the other soldiers wanted to destroy the computers, Gedalya said, "Wait. Let me work on them." He stayed in the office by himself, locked the door, and started checking the computers. When he saw what damning material they contained, he took a screwdriver and removed all the hard disks, which he then handed over to Intelligence.

Gedalya also found a million and a half shekels as well as dollars -- all counterfeit.

When their work was done in Ramallah, they went on to Jenin. Jenin is the place where the majority of the suicide bombers come from. My Yossi described to us how our army got control of Jenin. Jenin was surrounded by tanks on all sides so none of the terrorists could escape. The women and children were brought to a school, and fed and housed there. All men over 16 were arrested and interrogated.

Since the army did not want to hurt civilians, fighting was house to house.

Eventually, the ring was tightened around the remaining terrorists who refused to give up. Since the army did not want to hurt civilians, fighting was house to house. Of course, the easiest and safest way to eliminate terrorists is to aerial bomb them, the way America did in Afghanistan. With one or two bombs the job is finished. But, because we try to remain a humane army, we settled for house to house fighting, the most dangerous form of combat.

Gedalya at one point discovered a house from where they were being fired upon. He asked permission from the officer to fire back and was refused. The officer answered him that there was a family in the next building that had not evacuated as yet and, therefore, they could not endanger their safety.

There were booby traps everywhere: in the trees, in the manholes, on the bodies of killed terrorists, in houses, in the streets. Yesterday, 13 soldiers were killed in a booby-trapped building which collapsed on them.

The fighting in Jenin was very difficult. Yesterday, two of the soldiers who were killed were brought by stretcher to where Gedalya was. He quickly ran to help take the stretchers. All of a sudden, Gedalya shouted "It's Matanya!" and broke down crying. Matanya was his best friend. Gedalya then saw that the other soldier killed was his other good friend. The Commander quickly slapped Gedalya and told him to stop crying, saying "Tomorrow there will be time to mourn." But "tomorrow" Gedalya himself was dead.

At 9 PM, Gedalya was killed. The battalion commanders were in a room with other officers when a sniper shot him through the window. The bullet hit a grenade he was wearing.

At Gedalya's funeral today, his friend Yiftah spoke. Yiftah said that three of their friends had already been killed. One was buried only yesterday. In a poignant voice, Yiftah declared: "Only you and I are left, Gedalya. I am like a wall; I have no tears left. I cannot cry, and I want to cry."

"It will never be all right again."

When Yiftah came down from the podium, he fell into my arms. I had never seen this 21-year-old boy before, but I told him to cry. He held me tightly, and we both cried for Gedalya, whom we both loved so much. Even when I lightened my hold on his body, he held on to me tightly and cried.

After the funeral, I called my mother (Gedalya's grandmother) in Miami Beach to tell her that it was over and that everything is going to be all right. She answered: "It will never be all right again."

My son Yossi returned to his unit in Jenin, insisting that we not worry, that he would be safe inside his tank.

Israel is at a crossroads. If we do not put an end to terror, then terror will put an end to us. There has never been a more just war. What we need now is the support of every right-thinking person on this earth, so that the job an be completed.

Gedalya died defending Israel, so that there would be a home for all Jews. Would that his death not be in vain!

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 32

(32)
Paul R. Zepeda,
April 16, 2013 4:01 PM

Gedalya lived his convictions

You do well when war doesn't alter your convictions. God sustained him with His spirit. We're not immune to death either in war or during our regular course in life. He lived a good life and died a good death. God's blessings will follow him in his next life.

(31)
Ani,
April 15, 2013 5:47 AM

Prays

I am so sorry for your loss and have said prayers for your family

(30)
Merlock13,
May 26, 2005 12:00 AM

An amazing person. I'm sorry for your loss.

(29)
Teri Friedman Reid,
May 23, 2005 12:00 AM

we did not indiscriminately bomb...

America did NOT indiscriminately bomb in either Afghanistan or Iraq!!! If we had, those wars would be over. We have made the same hard choices Gedalya and his comrades have. May they all rest in peace. LTC Teri Friedman Reid

(28)
betti miner,
May 17, 2005 12:00 AM

touching

What a mentch, he thought of others and not himself. Giving candies to the little Arab children so they would not be afraid of the Israeli soldiers while checking their parents through the checkpoints. He will be missed and may his name be for a blessing for the people of Israel. Shalom

(27)
raymond,
May 14, 2005 12:00 AM

what an inspiring, yet deeply sad story

i was, of course, moved to tears when reading this story. the jews are such an amazing people, so talented, so resilient, so moral. i often think we are way too good at the expense of our own survival. i know that the mourners for gedalya and others in similar situations can never truly be comforted. i am sorry.

(26)
Anonymous,
May 10, 2005 12:00 AM

That story should be in every British newspaper.

The truth about the struggle is sheilded from the brits.

(25)
Anonymous,
May 9, 2005 12:00 AM

A story that should run in every Canadian paper

What a beautiful man Gedalya was, and what a huge loss that he and other Israelis should die so young. I don't know what I, a stranger and a Canadian, can say to Gedalya's family except that I am so very very sorry.

I wish that Gedalya's story could run in every newspaper here in Canada, so people could understand what 's happening in Israel. Our media carry so many propaganda lies about the Mid-East. Meanwhile, I pray that G-d will bring peace to Jerusalem and His holy people.

(24)
Adam Schwartzbaum,
May 9, 2005 12:00 AM

Finding Gedaliah Again

I knew Gedaliah; he lived with my rabbi, his uncle, for six months, back before the army. Gedaliah used to come to synagogue with us on Shabbas, and I spent time with him and his cousin Aliza as well. The last time I saw him was at my house for a New Years Eve Party, five months before his passing.

I recently returned from a trip from Eretz Yisrael. While I was there I promised myself I would visit Gedaliah's grave on Mt. herzl. The first day of Chol Hamoed Pesach, me and my brother took a taxi to the cemetary. We arrived to a deserted place; no guards, no tour guides, no big groups. In true Israeli fashion, they were out of English pamphlets, so my brother and I struggled to figure out, from the map and the Hebrew booklet, where Gedaliah could be. We found a section: A16- Jenin, on the map, located on the opposite side of the mountain. We made our way over there, but couldn't find the grave. For over an hour and a half we searched all over, but could not find Gedaliah. Tired and frustrated, we made our way back to the entrance of the cemetary.

Now it was getting late. We had only seen two families and a group of South American Jews on a tour, plus one maintenance person, in our entire time there. My brother told me he was ready to go home, but I persisted. "No!" I told him, "I can't leave without seeing Gedaliah."

We looked again at the map; this time, I realized that there was a section of graves in an area we hadn't looked in yet, where soldiers from the Yom Kippur and Six day war were buried. "Maybe Gedaliah is near there" I said. We began walking towards the area, section B in the complex. As we made our way up, we came across an old man working in the cemetary. We told him who we were looking for, and he said "that's just this way, at the very top of the hill." My brother and I followed him up to the top; here, fresh soil awaited the newly dead, beside graves of soldiers clearly killed in the intifada. The newest grave did not even have a headstone yet; just a wreath and a pile of dirt on the ground.

We began looking at the headstones for Gedaliah, one by one. As we searched, I noticed a girl about my age walk into the area. I hardly gave her a second thought, however, as I was fixed on finding the correct tombstone. "What was his name, again?" asked the old man, after a few minutes of searching. "Gedaliah Mellick," I said. The girl, now kneeling beside a grave two rows ahead of me, said, "this one?"

We walked over to the grave, looked down and froze. There was his name; Gedaliah Mellick. After all that searching, we finally found him. The girl asked me if we wanted to sit down. We did. She asked, "you knew Gedaliah?" I explained our relationship. She nodded: "He was one of my closest friends. When I was 16, I got lost in the woods, and Gedaliah found me."

She told us her name was Ronit, and then gave us some time to spend with Gedaliah alone. After some time of reflection and a few tears, she returned. We sat next to his headstone and talked about our different memories of Gedaliah: his love of people and poetry, his kindness, his sense of humor. She offered us a ride home, and we happily consented. On the way back to our hotel, we continued remmebering. It was such a warm, human moment, and we recognized why it was so special:

For all of Gedaliah's life, he loved bringing people together. He had a carefree spirit that attracted the friendship of everyone he touched. Ronit and I realized that although he is no longer with us on earth, Gedaliah is still bringing people together, as he brought us together on that day in the cemetary. It was a kind of small miracle that the two of us, on this day when almost no one was at Mt. Herzl, were brought together by one person: me, a Floridian on pesach vacation, she, a twenty three year old Israeli in college in Jerusalem. I am so glad that Gedaliah can still bring people together and make them appreciate the life we have. He was a truly special soul and his memory lives on in all of us.

(23)
Anonymous,
May 1, 2002 12:00 AM

If Hashem grants me another child and it's a boy: I'm naming him Gedalya.

(22)
Anonymous,
April 23, 2002 12:00 AM

INCREDIBLE LOSS INCREDIBLE HERO

My heart breaks for this dear one...for his family and friends left behind. Our world was made weaker by Gedalya's young departure from earth, and yet stronger by his AMAZING example of a true 'hero', model of real human kind...model of heart and head...in a world almost past any hero's left. His life, even through death, has brought new hope to me that God will always have His special ones to light our way in dark times...and bring joy and hope back for 'life with light and REAL love' again. Blessings and continual prayers.

(21)
Ray Saperstein,
April 23, 2002 12:00 AM

Do something in memory of Gedalya

Israel needs our help. Put yourself on the line in memory of this fine young man. In a few weeks I'm leaving the comfort and safety of my home in Baltimore,MD to join Volunteers For Israel. JOIN ME!!! Go to www.sar-el.org or www.jafi.org.il/daily/vol.asp for more information.
Ray Saperstein

(20)
Anonymous,
April 23, 2002 12:00 AM

People need to open their eyes

The US is doing the same thing why is it so wrong that Israel to the same. Do as I say not as I do,it sounds like. The US has no idea what it is like to have terror like this everyday. People need to know more about what is going on not just one side.I will email this to all my friends.

(19)
Jane topp,
April 21, 2002 12:00 AM

I will...

...send this to everyone I know hoping they might awake...so sorry.

(18)
bob worth,
April 20, 2002 12:00 AM

WE STAND BEHIND ISRAEL "Sharon" do what you must.

You are doing the same as the US is doing in Afganistan. Remind the world of that!!!

(17)
Anonymous,
April 19, 2002 12:00 AM

The world is with you in your grief

May you know that you are not alone in this time of grief - the world mourns with you. It is a loss to k'lal Yisrael that Gedalya died -- may his death not be in vain. How he was in life will live on in the minds and hearts of those who knew him. He was a true neshama tova in a world where there are too few. May your memories of Gedalya sustain you now and in the days, months, and years to come.

(16)
Ana Breziner,
April 18, 2002 12:00 AM

very touching and emotional

(15)
Anonymous,
April 17, 2002 12:00 AM

What a moving article. Although i never knew Gedalyiah people like him are a credit to am yisroel- i hope that will help at such a difficult time. Please G-d Shalom will come soon and moschiach will come!

(14)
Ray Saperstein,
April 17, 2002 12:00 AM

We are all Gedalya

May Gedalyas' family be comforted among all the mourners of Zion,of whom there are too many. As an American Jew, I'm sure I speak for many when I say that our hearts are with all our Israeli brothers and sisters in this very trying time. In our synagogues and homes we are saying tehilim, studying Torah, and praying with renewed fervor in the hope that a heavenly power will have mercy and give us all the wisdom to survive and resolve the current crisis. You are not alone! Chazak V'ematz.

(13)
Anonymous,
April 17, 2002 12:00 AM

Thank You

Chazak Veematz

(12)
Anonymous,
April 17, 2002 12:00 AM

I am Speechless

Much simpathy to the Skolnik family -a family well known for its righteousnes and tremendous chesed .As Rav sheinberger sais"What the arabs don't know is that these events bring us closer to the ultimate geulah and Moshiach."As we read this moving story of the latest korban-sacrifice for the Jewish people-lets Try to make a small committment pray harder,advocate for Israel harder,come closer to G-D who has the Keys in his hands(kivyachol) to end this horrible nightmare of ours!!
A gracious guest at your Shabbos table
BT

(11)
Anonymous,
April 17, 2002 12:00 AM

Amazing

WOW! I am very sorry for the loss of this special special individual. He definitely was a great great person-even in times of terror. I do not know him personally but his amazing sensitivity, caring and loving heart definetely brought me to tears.

(10)
Debbie Frank,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

Am Yisrael Chai!

This story contains SO much information that counters the Palestinian propaganda machine !! But, sadly they will not read it.
May G-D comfort you in your loss and may HE who can, bring an end to the violence and restore Zion to its rightful place and bring Moshiach NOW.
Am Yisrael Chai!!

(9)
Anonymous,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

Brought me to tears

Very moving. Brought me to tears. May He who makes peace in his heights, make peace upon us and upon Israel. Soon.

(8)
Dayan Sankar,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

We Will Survive

Even when all Jews treat others as human but these palestinians will never understand us but in return they will write/speak lies.

May G-D give peace.

(7)
Anonymous,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

Your beautiful Neshama will continue living Gedlya

We are told that when the night reaches it's darkest, there will be light.
I hope that Gedalya's family will take some comfort in knowing that their son carried with him the torch of Truth, for Hashem's seal is Emmet, which is absolute truth. I know that G-d had a Higher purpose for this wonderful soul.
and that is why he took him to make the truth be known to us and to the world, may be to tear away the veils of deception that the palestinians are painting .You are a great soul who think of little kids and innocents in
the midst of War, you have so much compassion, but for the cruel unfortunately. This is the nature of every Jew to have the atribute of Rachamim, mercy, but it should be only give away to the people who are also on the same wave length, not to the small Palestinians who kill innocent kids and their pregnant moms for their small causes.

..may be there is still a place in the world for goodness, and beauty, a world without jealousy and lowliness and e.. My tears and my heart is with his family and loved ones...May his generous soul live and be elevated to the highest place in GanEden!

(6)
Doris Niswonger,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

Among the best

Israel you have every right to be proud of your sons and daughters! They are among the bravest, most courageous, dedicated, toughest and yes,the kindest
people on the face of the planet!!! God go with you!

(5)
Carol Rowland-Briggs,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

A BROKEN CHRISTIAN HEART

My prayers and thoughts are with the family of Gedalya as they are for all of Israel.
I am an Amercian and want to be sure that you are aware of the support you and your country have from so very many other Amercans. I for one stand with you and vow to support you in any way that I can. At this time my prayers are what I offer. May God bless and protect all of you who live in that blessed land. You truly are so fortunate to be citizens of such a wonderful, Holy land.

My desire is that you may find peace. May God care for and protect you.

An American Friend,
Carol Rowland-Briggs

(4)
judy zoberg,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

my prayers are with your family

I read your extremely moving article about your beautiful neshama,Gedalya.
He was truly ayoung man for all Jews to be proud of and thankful to for trying to eliminate terrorism.
May Hashem comfort you and your family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. We, in the USA are with you
in this time of need and prayer!!

(3)
Anonymous,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I'm a gentile, living in Canada so I can only watch the news and read your stories, and with tears streaming from my eyes ask, "Where are all the right-thinking people on the earth? Where are all the people who love justice? Why aren't they speaking out in support of Israel?"

May He who created and loves this world bring peace to Jerusalem, and His people speedily, in our day.

May G-D comfort and sustain you.

(2)
Anonymous,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

A Jewel for the crown for the 'One Above'

This article has touched me in so many ways. There are no words that can help console the loss of this person whom was so very special. It is said that those who pass on in the twilight hours of the coming of Moshiach, will be of the first to stand when we are resurected.

May we all be zoche to see Gedalya (as well as all of the kedoshim that we have lost) with us very very soon.

(1)
jesica myers,
April 16, 2002 12:00 AM

Deepest Condolences

Our hearts go out to Mrs. Skolnik and her entire family for their profound loss. Gedalya sounds like the type of boy all of us Jewish Mothers would one day hope to raise. His death is not in vain. When the world finally sees the Utimate Emes (truth), we will be able to thank Gedalya pesonally for his Mesiras Nefesh (selfless sacrifice). Until then, may the Almighty comfort his family among the mourners of Zion, and may they be given the strenght to carry on. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.